Do your wheels feel sluggish and slow? You might be blaming your board, but the real culprit could be hiding inside your wheels: your skate bearings. Choosing the right bearings can be confusing. There are so many numbers and brands! It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and end up with bearings that don’t help you skate your best.
But don’t worry! This post is here to help. We’ll break down what makes good skate bearings and what all those confusing terms mean. You’ll learn how to pick bearings that will make your board roll faster and smoother, so you can focus on landing those tricks. Get ready to unlock your board’s true speed!
Our Top 5 Skate Bearings Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Skate Bearings Detailed Reviews
1. Bones Reds Bearings 8 pk w/Spacers & Washers Bundle
Rating: 8.9/10
Upgrade your skateboard with the Bones Reds Bearings 8 pk w/Spacers & Washers Bundle! This set gives you everything you need to get your wheels spinning smoothly and quickly. Bones Reds are a popular choice for skaters because they are built to last and perform well.
What We Like:
- The rubber shield is easy to take off for cleaning. This means less dirt gets stuck inside, which helps your bearings roll faster.
- High-speed nylon ball retainers make the bearings stronger and faster.
- They come pre-lubricated with special Speed Cream. This racing lubricant helps your bearings perform at their best right away.
- These bearings are “Skate Rated.” This means they are made with the right clearances, materials, and lubricant to give you the best possible performance and durability.
- The bundle includes 4 spacers and 8 washers. These parts help your wheels fit correctly and spin even better.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the rubber shields are removable, some skaters might prefer sealed bearings for ultimate protection against dirt and water.
- For very advanced or professional skaters, there might be even higher-end bearing options available, though these are excellent for most riders.
This Bones Reds bundle is a fantastic value for any skateboarder looking for improved performance. You get quality parts that will make your ride smoother and faster.
2. Rollerbones Bearings 8mm 16 Pack
Rating: 9.0/10
Get ready to roll faster and smoother with the Rollerbones Bearings 8mm 16 Pack! This awesome set gives you everything you need for a full pair of skates, so you can upgrade your ride and feel the difference.
What We Like:
- You get 16 bearings, which is enough for both of your skates.
- These bearings are made with precision for great performance.
- They have special nylon ball cages that you can take out.
- The rubber shields are removable and don’t touch the balls, which means less friction.
- They are built to be fast and last a long time.
- Cleaning these bearings is super easy.
- They come pre-lubricated with Speed Cream for extra speed.
- The inside parts are made just right for skating.
What Could Be Improved:
- We wish there were more color options available.
- Sometimes it can be tricky to find them in stock.
If you want to boost your skating experience, the Rollerbones Bearings 8mm 16 Pack is a fantastic choice. They’ll help you glide with ease and enjoy every moment on your skates.
3. Spitfire Skateboard Wheels Cheapshots Bearings – Includes 8 Bearings and Bighead Sticker – Removable Black Shields – for All Types of Skateboarding – Fits All Trucks and Wheel Combos
Rating: 9.2/10
Get ready to upgrade your ride with the Spitfire Skateboard Wheels Cheapshots Bearings! These aren’t just any bearings; they’re a serious step up for any skateboarder. Spitfire, a name you know and trust, has made these bearings to be the new standard for good, affordable skateboard bearings. They’re built tough and designed for speed, making your board feel smoother and faster than ever before. Plus, you get a cool Spitfire Bighead sticker with every pack!
What We Like:
- These bearings are a big step up from basic ones.
- Spitfire backs them for great speed.
- Removable black shields keep dirt and dust out, making them last longer.
- The strong parts inside help your wheels roll smoothly.
- They work for all kinds of skateboarding.
- They fit almost all skateboard trucks and wheel sets because they are the standard 608 size.
- The Spitfire pro team tested and approved them, so you know they’re good.
- You get 8 pre-lubricated bearings, ready to go.
- A bonus Spitfire Bighead sticker is included.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for the price, they might not have the absolute top-tier performance of the most expensive bearings.
These Spitfire Cheapshots bearings offer fantastic value and a noticeable improvement for your skateboarding. They are a smart choice for anyone wanting a faster, smoother ride without breaking the bank.
4. Bones Reds Bearings 8-Pack for [Skateboards
![Bones Reds Bearings 8-Pack for [Skateboards, Longboards, Scooters, Spinners] (8-Pack W/Tool)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41GIGV3Oq6L._SL500_.jpg "Top 5 Skate Bearings: Your Essential Buying Guide 11")
Rating: 8.8/10
Get ready to roll with the Bones Reds Bearings 8-Pack! This pack is perfect for anyone who loves skateboards, longboards, scooters, or even fidget spinners. It comes with everything you need to get your gear moving fast and smooth, including a handy tool.
What We Like:
- INCREDIBLE SPEED – These bearings are super fast! Bones Reds are known for making your ride smoother and quicker.
- BEARING SIZE – They fit the standard 608 bearing size. This means they’ll likely fit most of your skateboards, longboards, and scooters.
- STOKED TOOL – The included tool is awesome. It has different sockets and drivers to help you install and adjust your bearings easily.
- DURABLE – These bearings are built tough. They are made with good materials and are designed to last, even with regular use. They also come pre-lubricated to keep dirt out and keep them spinning freely.
- AFFORDABLE – You get a lot of quality for your money. Bones Reds offer great performance without costing a fortune.
What Could Be Improved:
- The tool, while useful, might not be as robust as a dedicated skate tool for heavy-duty work.
If you’re looking to upgrade your ride and experience a noticeable difference in speed and smoothness, the Bones Reds Bearings 8-Pack is a fantastic choice. It’s a simple way to make your favorite gear perform better.
5. SHKI 20 Pcs 608 2RS Ball Bearings – Bearing Steel and Double Rubber Sealed Miniature Deep Groove Ball Bearings (8mm x 22mm x 7mm) (608 2RS)
Rating: 9.5/10
Upgrade your gear with the SHKI 20 Pcs 608 2RS Ball Bearings. These small but mighty bearings are crafted from tough bearing steel and protected by double rubber seals. They’re designed for smooth, long-lasting performance in a variety of projects and hobbies.
What We Like:
- Made from strong bearing steel for great hardness and toughness.
- Built for high loads and durability, perfect for demanding tasks.
- Manufactured with high precision for smooth and efficient spinning.
- Very versatile, working well in skateboards, inline skates, and electric motors.
- They have low friction, meaning they spin easily and last longer.
What Could Be Improved:
- The rubber seals might wear out over time with heavy use.
- For very heavy-duty industrial applications, a larger bearing might be needed.
If you need reliable bearings for your skates, scooter, or small machines, these SHKI 608 2RS bearings are a solid choice. They offer great performance and durability for their size.
Skate Bearings: Your Ticket to Smoother Rides
Skate bearings are small but mighty parts that make your skateboard wheels spin. They are super important for how fast and smooth your board glides. Choosing the right bearings can make a big difference in your skating. This guide will help you find the best ones for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for skate bearings, keep these important things in mind:
- ABEC Rating: This tells you how precise the bearing is. Higher numbers like ABEC-5 or ABEC-7 are usually better for speed. But for skateboarding, durability is also key. Many skaters prefer bearings that aren’t just about the highest ABEC rating.
- Shields: Bearings have shields to keep dirt and dust out. Some have metal shields, and others have rubber or nylon shields. Rubber shields are great for keeping stuff out and are often more flexible.
- Lubricant: Bearings come with oil or grease inside. Oil is usually faster but needs to be replaced more often. Grease lasts longer and protects better, but it can slow you down a bit.
- Size: Most skateboard bearings are standard size (608). This means they should fit most skateboard wheels. Always check if you’re unsure.
Important Materials
The materials used in bearings affect how they perform and last.
- Steel: Most skate bearings are made of steel. High-quality steel is strong and lasts longer. Some bearings use special types of steel that are extra tough.
- Ceramic: Some high-end bearings use ceramic balls instead of steel. Ceramic balls are lighter and can roll faster. They also don’t get as hot as steel, which can make them last longer. However, they are usually more expensive.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Many things can make your bearings better or worse.
- Build Quality: How well the bearing is put together matters a lot. Good bearings have smooth races and well-fitting shields. Poorly made bearings can feel rough or noisy.
- Maintenance: Keeping your bearings clean is very important. Dirt and grime are the enemies of good bearings. Cleaning them regularly will make them last much longer and perform better.
- Riding Style: If you do a lot of tricks or skate in dusty or wet places, you need durable bearings that can handle tough conditions. If you just cruise, you might focus more on speed and smoothness.
- Price: Often, you get what you pay for. Cheaper bearings might not last as long or perform as well as more expensive ones. But you don’t always need the most expensive option.
User Experience and Use Cases
How bearings feel and work depends on how you use them.
- Speed: If you want to go fast, look for bearings with good quality steel or ceramic balls and a light lubricant.
- Durability: If you skate in rough conditions or do hard tricks, choose bearings with strong shields and perhaps a thicker lubricant.
- Smoothness: Well-made bearings will spin smoothly without wobbling or making noise. This makes your ride feel much nicer.
- Ease of Use: Most bearings are easy to install. You usually just pop them into your wheels.
Choosing the right skate bearings is about finding a balance between speed, durability, and how you like to skate. With this guide, you’re ready to pick out bearings that will help you roll on.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does ABEC mean for skate bearings?
A: ABEC stands for Annular Bearing Engineering Committee. It’s a rating that tells you how precise the bearing is made. A higher number, like ABEC-7, means it’s made with more care and can spin faster.
Q: Are ceramic bearings better than steel bearings?
A: Ceramic bearings can be faster and last longer because ceramic balls are lighter and don’t get as hot. But they are also usually more expensive. Steel bearings are a good, strong choice for most skaters.
Q: How often should I clean my skate bearings?
A: You should clean your bearings whenever they start to feel slow or noisy. This might be every few weeks or months, depending on how much you skate and where you skate.
Q: Can I use bearings from other sports on my skateboard?
A: Most skateboards use a standard bearing size called 608. While other sports might use the same size, skate bearings are often built to be tougher for skateboarding’s demands.
Q: What are bearing shields for?
A: Bearing shields protect the inside of the bearing from dirt, dust, and water. This helps them spin smoothly and last longer.
Q: Do I need to oil my bearings?
A: Yes, bearings need lubricant to work well. The lubricant helps them spin smoothly and prevents them from getting damaged. You can use oil or grease.
Q: How do I know if my bearings are bad?
A: Bad bearings might make a grinding noise, feel rough when you spin them, or make your wheels turn slowly. If you notice these things, it’s time to clean or replace them.
Q: What does it mean if my bearings feel “gritty”?
A: “Gritty” usually means dirt or debris has gotten inside the bearing. This is why cleaning and protecting your bearings is important.
Q: Can I skate in the rain with my bearings?
A: It’s best to avoid skating in the rain if possible, as water can damage your bearings. If you do skate in wet conditions, make sure to clean and dry your bearings thoroughly afterward.
Q: Where can I buy good skate bearings?
A: You can find skate bearings at skate shops, sporting goods stores, and online retailers. Look for brands known for making quality skate parts.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.